THEMES

Main Theme

The artist’s development in the life of a national language. Stephen experiences the many voices of Ireland as well as those of the canonical writers of his education. Out of all these voices emerges Stephen’s aesthetic theory and his desire to find his own manner of expression.

Minor Theme

The constraints of social conventions on the artist and his struggle to keep himself free of them.

MOOD

The mood of this novel is reflective. Most of the narration is of Stephen’s thoughts as he remembers significant conversations and events.

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